Lois Jessop (text), and Tobi Jessop (illustrator), Benjamin Banjo Frog, Tobop Productions, April 2025, 32 pp., RRP $18.00 (includes book, DVD and postage) ISBN 9780994264305
Since starting work in a library this year, I’ve been astounded at the popularity of easy readers. Don’t kids get enough of them at school? It would seem not. So, this short story, Benjamin Banjo Frog, could be right on the money for kids and adults learning to read English.
It’s a simple story with phonetically easy to read words. Poor Benji is sad because his pond is dry. There’s nothing for it but to hop up the road to Grandpa’s.
If you look up the title online, you’ll discover that the esteemed Australian actor Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell narrates the companion DVD. Bud’s deep Aussie tenor would certainly be helpful for ESL students trying to master the Antipodean accent.
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher
